patrick sighed, jumping up again, failing to grab the book he wanted. he looked around, frowning as he saw no one in sight. he turned away to leave before running face first into the chest of a slightly taller male.

"i-i'm so sorry!" patrick stuttered out quickly as he stumbled back. "I didn't me- I mean, I didn't see you, I... I'm sorry." he looked down, hands clasped together tightly in front of him as he thought of a way to get away from the man. he was not afraid- the man had not looked at all threatening, patrick was simply a nervous man with horrible social anxiety his stutter never helping him there.

"that's alright," the tallish tanned man said softly. "I guess we should both look where we're going, huh?" he chuckled, clearly meaning it to be a joke.

"y-yeah, heh," patrick nods, looking up only slightly.

"alright, uh, I'll see ya around." the blonde nods as he began to walk away. obviously they would not see one another again, that was just something you say- mostly when you are in an awkward situation such as this.

"u-uhh..." patrick stuttered out, watching his only chance to get this book walk away. "e-excuse me, s-sir?" he asked, quiet, but not too quiet that he was not heard.

"pete," the man offered as he turned to face the small blonde man. "yes?" he asked softly, watching the stuttery mess patiently.

"pete," patrick corrected. "could I g-get your help?" he asked hopefully, nodding to the shelf above his head. "I-i can't reach..." he mumbled ashamedly as he stared at his feet, face reddening.

"ooh," pete chuckled, nodding a little as he returned to the shorter. "what book?"

"th-the shawsh-sh... fuck!" patrick mumbled, taking a moment before trying again.

"take your time," the man joked, offering a small smile, awaiting the answer from the young man.

"the shawshank redemption," patrick said finally, happy to have not messed up.

"got it," pete smiled, grabbing the book and offering it to the man. "here you go..." he drug out the 'o' sound, clearly waiting for a name.

"p-patrick,"

"right. here you go, patrick." pete said softly, smiling still as patrick took the book from his hands.

"th-thank you, sir." patrick mumbled, nodding to him before scurrying away to pay for his book.

/patrick/ pete thought, watching the man leave. he hoped to see patrick sometime again- and sometime soon.